Engineering Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median nuclear engineer salary in Albuquerque, NM is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$114,361
vs State Avg
+$2,408
vs National
$-6,019
Cost of Living
95%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $114,361, which is $2,408 above the New Mexico state average of $111,953. Compared to the national median of $120,380, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Albuquerque spans from $72,200 at the 10th percentile to $169,100 at the 90th percentile — a $96,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,100, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,400. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $74,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,900
$-6,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$163,400
$-8,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $72,200
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $114,361
75th Percentile $140,600
90th Percentile $169,100

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$132,418
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$110,750
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$105,934
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$98,712
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Albuquerque

Education

Most nuclear engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $114,361 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $72,200 (10th percentile) to $169,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $114,361, a nuclear engineer in Albuquerque earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median nuclear engineer salary of $114,361 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $111,953. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a nuclear engineer salary of $114,361 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Albuquerque? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Nuclear Physics, Reactor Design, Safety Analysis, Radiation Protection. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.